Congress to Hear FAA's 'Causes of Delays' to NextGen

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has scheduled a hearing next week regarding "causes of delays to the FAA's NextGen program."

FAA Administrator Michael Huerta will testify at the hearing, giving lawmakers another update on the agency's progress with implementation of the next generation air transportation system.

In June, FAA released its NextGen Implementation Report, which noted progress on satellite-based approach procedures, and construction of the ADS-B ground infrastructure, which is scheduled for completion in 2014.

However, lawmakers in recent months have been pushing for more progress on NextGen implementation, especially after a 2012 Government Accountability Office study found that "FAA is unable to predict, with any degree of confidence, if the estimated completion dates are realistic."

During a recent congressional hearing, Huerta warned that the recently implemented sequestration budget cuts will have a severe impact on NextGen implementation going forward if lawmakers do not repeal that legislation.

Next week's hearing will also include testimony from Calvin Scovel, inspector general of the Department of Transportation.